It was certainly an eventful year, mainly because of three changes in our lives, two of which I will share today. One of which some of you already know about. For example, a few of you might remember that I shared about my younger daughter deciding in the early part of 2016 that she would not be returning back home after the school year ended. Instead, she decided to rent an apartment with four other girls and move out permanently on May 1st. She is now living happily in her new city where she is in her second year of university. And she’s holding down a part time job that she loves. She followed in the footsteps of her sister who moved out on her own in 2012, albeit in another city.
So in 2016 we became empty nesters. Much earlier than we expected.
Because both my girls are fiercely independent, responsible and mature, there was no doubt that they’d move out on their own as soon as they could. The only thing that surprised the most amazing man in the world and me was how young they were when they accomplished this. The older one got her own place at 19 while she was in university and holding down two part time jobs. The younger one was 18 when she made the same decision.
We are very proud of both of them.
Another important event is retirement. The most amazing man in the world is officially retired. At the ripe old age of 58. He worked at the same company as a senior project manager for almost 30 years and was contributing to a wonderful pension plan. In August, he reached the level of years where he could start collecting on that pension. And decided to do so. Because “life is too short and we may as well enjoy it while we’re able bodied and healthy”. He is free as a bird to do whatever he wants now. Maybe tackle projects or do volunteer work or enjoy a hobby or take up a part time job that’s fun. Whatever. The sky’s the limit.
big congrats to your hubby on his retirement!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Christine. He is loving it.
Deletecongrats on the spousal retirement. Will you be able to join him?
ReplyDeleteI was working in computer programming until about 2010 or so, and now I'm doing volunteer work, so I can just stop at any time. But I don't have an amazing pension plan like he does. Now I'm interested in finding a part time job, so he'll be at home!
DeleteMy husband got early retirement as well. Me? I didn't start paying into a pension until 40 so I won't be able to collect until close to 70. Meh.
ReplyDeleteHappy Retirement to your husband!
It could be worse, Birdie. You could have worked jobs that never paid offered a good pensions plan. Yeah, that would be me!
DeleteI'm impressed that both your daughters went out on their own so young! Good for them! I was 18 when I left home. My Rare One was 16. I think kids today stay at home, unlaunched into the real world, far too long.
ReplyDeleteAnd congrats to The Most Amazing Man in the World on his retirement! I am green with envy! Enjoy having your life back, TMAMITW!
Wow, you were both very young, particularly your Rare One! 16. Holy MOLY. What the heck was I doing at that age? Not very much.
DeleteIt was expected that the girls would move out early in life. We encouraged them along the way. I think it's good for kids to be out there tackling responsibilities and taking care of bills and grownup matters when they reach the adult years. It pushes them to mature!
I'm glad both your daughters are doing well. When 'the kids' do leave home it's not always the easiest thing in the world to adjust to ... but we do!
ReplyDeleteHope the most amazing man in the world and you enjoy the new 'retired life'. I'm sure it will not be too long before you are thinking ... how did we find time to work!!!
Sending good wishes to you both
All the best Jan
Thanks, Jan. It's really not easy but it's good to encourage them!
DeleteYou must have raised those girls to be self-confident, independent young women! I moved out at 19, but did come home for a summer. Congratulations on your husband's retirement! I have four more years to go. Some days that sounds like a short amount of time, other days it feels like an eternity. -Jenn
ReplyDeleteTime passes so quickly, Jenn, and before you know it you'll be done with the work routine!
DeleteCongrats on your husband's retirement! That was great that he took it and now has time to relax and enjoy life :) That is awesome too with both of your girls; you definitely raised them right :)
ReplyDeleteNow I'm wondering about the 3rd event because it does seem like that could have been the one that gave you the 5 words you posted about 2016.
betty
You were on the right track with a comment you made in a previous post, Betty. You smart cookie, you :)
DeleteYou must be very proud of your daughters, that is rare nowadays for kids to be on their own so young. My niece lived with us until she was 23 and didn't even have to pay rent. Congrats to amazing man on his well deserved retirement.
ReplyDeleteI guess I do dress my cats up more since my niece moved out in 2011 :)
I am very proud, thank you! A little surprised at how young they accomplished this, but very happy for them.
DeleteCongratulations to your husband! He's got the right attitude :)
ReplyDeleteThanks! He really does!
DeleteGood job on the girls, and your hubby is lucky. I can't wait to retire, but it's probably almost 2 years away (if I'm lucky, that's all it is.)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it'll come fast enough. Time just WHOOSHES right by :)
DeleteRetirement! Yahoo! Life is good after the time cards go away!
ReplyDeleteIt sure is, Toni. He is certainly loving it.
DeleteGood luck with that retirement!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteCongrats to your hubby! That's awesome he was able to retire so young.
ReplyDeleteIt is. He is enjoying it!
DeleteCongratulations to the most amazing man in your world on retirement. He will love it but find that he will be very very busy.
ReplyDeleteI think you're right! Now he can tackle stuff he never had time for before!
DeleteIn America there is talks of raising Social Security to like 70 or above. Great plan to make America "Great Again" which is work until you die. At least I have a 401k. Pension plans sound better to me
ReplyDeleteI don't know exactly how the 401k works but I'm guessing it's similar to what my husband had at work with his pension plan. He paid into it over the years while at work. Now it's paying off for him! I never had that with any job I held.
DeleteYes, 2016 was BIG for you both!! I can only imagine 'empty nest' syndrome.....it must be both difficult at first and yet joyful as well knowing your daughters are doing well, Martha.
ReplyDeleteTMAMITW is settling in to retirement! It IS a huge adjustment to say the least! All that time and trying to figure out what to do with it. I am sure he will get along very well in whatever he chooses to do.
It has been a year to remember for you!!
It was definitely a year to remember. Right now he's just relaxing after doing the same job for so many years. But I imagine he'll eventually get bored and fill up some of those hours!
DeleteCongrats on the pension and both daughters doing so well on their own!
ReplyDeleteThanks, e!
DeleteMine are coming back home. We are in a rural area and it's difficult to find work.
ReplyDeleteNo more snow but COLD!
Have a blessed weekend.
It happens with a lot of kids. At least they have a safety net. If my girls every need a soft place to land, they can come home.
DeleteFANTASTIC!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove all the exclamation points. Hope your weekend so far is that fantastic!
DeleteThat is wonderful that both your girls are so responsible. You are blessed that they are so mature at their young ages. I am sure that has a lot to do with you and your awesome husband teaching them good values.
ReplyDeleteEqually wonderful...being able to retire. My husband is self employed so he probably will just choose to work less for the next few years before he fully quits but it is such a glorious thought.
Self employment is great for that. I did it for about 10 years and it was wonderful. I was also working at home, so I was able to take care of the kids while they were still young. The years pass so quickly, Cheryl!
Delete